(Machakos) – Farmers in Machakos County are innovating against water shortages by using ram pumps, a fuel-free irrigation system that pumps water without electricity, fuel, or solar power. By leveraging this low-cost, low-impact solution, many have managed to increase their crop yield and withstand long dry spells despite challenges posed by climate change.
As a semi-arid area with annual rainfall averaging less than 1,000 mm, Machakos has been hard hit by changing weather patterns, leading to frequent crop failure and water shortages. The region’s agricultural officer, Japheth Muthiani, noted that the county’s seasonal rainfall has become unpredictable, with intense rains falling over short periods and drying up quickly, leaving crops without the steady moisture they need. Farmers have thus been forced to turn to irrigation to maintain their livelihoods.
In Yatta, where many farmers operate, a few with enough capital initially turned to generator water pumps, which helped but came with high fuel costs and environmental impacts. Ram pumps emerged as an alternative, enabling farmers to irrigate without fuel costs or emissions. This innovation involves a simple setup with an inverted gas cylinder, valves, and water pipes, allowing water to be pumped from rivers to farms over distances of up to 500 meters, even uphill.
Peter Mugwero, a local technician, learned how to build ram pumps in 2021 after studying an online tutorial and later working with a technician from Embu. Since then, he has installed 16 ram pumps across the county. He explains that a reliable river or stream and a well-constructed weir are essential for the pump to function optimally. Nicodemus Munyao from the Machakos County government supports local farmers by ensuring weirs are built to standard, protecting them against damage from heavy rains. Farmers must also obtain a permit, which costs KSh 5,000 and lasts three years.
One early adopter, Charles Murigi, a retired teacher, installed a ram pump at a cost of KSh 300,000, including materials and labor. With the water storage tank he built, Murigi now irrigates his banana and vegetable crops reliably, ensuring a consistent harvest even in dry months. He attributes the pump’s low maintenance and lack of pollution as major advantages over traditional generator pumps.
Another farmer, Joshua Kithii, faced challenges in establishing his farm due to a lack of funds. Initially, he had to rely on donkeys to carry water over long distances, which limited his productivity. In 2021, he started saving to build a ram pump system, which he completed after two years. Now, Kithii has a steady water supply and has expanded into crops like khat, sugarcane, and mangoes. Although khat farming demands intensive care and investment, he remains optimistic about returns and plans to build a second water reservoir.
Agricultural officer Muthiani states that the government is working closely with farmers to overcome water shortages by providing training on drought-resilient practices. These initiatives include field days, demonstrations, and free seed distributions to help farmers enhance productivity.